Imbabura

Imbabura is a strato volcano located 40 miles (65 km) north of Quito. There are two main summits on Imbabura. The higher peak (100 m/328 ft) is reached by traversing a knife edge crater rim from the north summit of the normal route. The peaks of Imbabura were once glaciated, and used to serve as an important ice source for the nearby villages. People would climb high onto the mountain to get ice from the glacier and carry it back to sell at the markets in the villages of Otavalo and Ibarra. Today the village of Otavalo is still famous for its large market, although it is now largely a craft market selling items such as vibrant textiles, wood carvings, and the Panama hats (which actually originated in Ecuador).

Itinerary

Imbabura's steep slopes make it a good acclimatization climb for those preparing for Ecuador’s famous high altitude volcanoes. Highlights include hiking through tall grass páramo and rocky outcroppings followed by lush vegetation higher on the mountain. Imbabura overlooks San Pablo Lake, Ecuador’s largest natural lake. On a clear day you have a beautiful views of the northern part of the so-called "Avenue of the Volcanoes", including Cayambe, Antisana, Ilinizas, Volcan Chiles and Cumbal located in Colombia.

Day 1

Pick up at Quito at around 7:30

Travel for 2 hours to Hostel Casa de Aida at the base of the peak

Visit the Otavalo Market or Cuicocha lake on the way

Lunch in Otavalo or Cuicocha

Day 2

Early start for the 6-7 hours hike

Box lunch

Two hours drive to Quito

Descend to the vehicle

Back at Quito by 19:00

Important Note: This schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen difficulties.

Imbabura - Suggested Combinations

Trekking Excursions

Andeanface can develop a tailor made itinerary that will give you the opportunity of making the most out of your time, budget and specific interests. We offer the following Trekking Excursions; please contact us (
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) for more information, suggestions, and prices about hiking in Ecuador: CorazonGuagua PichinchaRumiñahuiImbaburaPasochoaPambamarcaCuicocha